decline1/dIˋklaIn; dIˈklaIn/n [C,U] a decrease in the quality, quantity, or importance of something 减少﹔下降﹔削弱﹔衰落: +in a decline in profits 利润的下降in decline The city was in decline. 这城市在衰落。
decline2v 1 [I] to decrease in quantity, quality, or importance 减少﹔下降﹔衰弱﹔衰退: Coffee production declined. 咖啡产量减少了。His health continued to decline. 他的健康状况继续恶化。 2 [I,T] formal to say no to an invitation, offer, or request, usually politely【正式】婉言拒绝﹐谢绝: Mary declined Jay's invitation to dinner. 玛丽谢绝了杰伊请吃晚饭的邀请。decline to do sth Murray declined to comment . 默里拒绝发表评论。